Napoli 2019 Universiade gets under way in style

Mattarella opens World University Games at San Paolo stadium

(ANSAmed) - NAPLES, JULY 3 - The 2019 Summer Universiade got
under way in style on Wednesday with President Sergio Matteralla
declaring the Games open at spectacular opening ceremony at
Naples San Paolo Stadium.

Naples and the surrounding region of Campania are hosting the
World University Games until July 14.

Before a crowd of over 25,000 people, the show featuring 800
performers aged 12 to 60 from 19 nations started with fireworks
and the mermaid Parthenope, who, according to legend, founded
the city Naples.

The mermaid - Italian apnea free diving world record holder
Mariafelicia Carraturo - spouted from a set representing Mount
Vesuvius and performed acrobatics while suspended in the air.

Another mermaid rode a chariot of waves.
"As mayor of Naples, I welcome all the athletes in this
beautiful stadium but, above all, I welcome all you to the city
of a thousand colours, of sport, of youth, of peace, of
hospitality, to the city of love," said Naples Mayor Luigi de
Magistris, who was booed by some in the crowd as he spoke and
applauded by others.

His address was followed by the parade of the athletes.

The Argentine team got a particularly big cheer when one of
their athletes waved the number 10 shirt of former Napoli and
Argentina great Diego Maradona.

The San Paolo crowd was also enthusiastic about the beauty
and charming smile of woman competitor from the Kingdom of
Eswatini.

The French and German teams got a less warm reception but the
atmosphere was joyous, with many athletes dancing and waving as
they took up their places in a U shape in the centre of the
stadium.

Many of the nations' placards carried in by migrants and
refugees who live in Naples after arriving in Italy on migrant
boats.

Organizers said the aim was to highlight the fact that Naples
is a city of peace, hospitality and humanity.

When it was Italy's turn, the passion reached a peak, with
the whole stadium breaking out in song.

Then there was a tribute to Italy, with Paralympic fencing
gold medallist Bebe Vio, looking stunning in a 'volcano' red
Armani dress, handing over the Italian tricolour to the
Carabinieri police for the flag-raising ceremony.
This was followed by more acrobatics on high.

This time the performance recreated the famous decoration of
the 'Tomb of the Diver' from the nearby ancient site of Paestum.

Campania Governor Vincenzo De Luca gave an address and, like
de Magistris, he was jeered by part of the crowd too.

Then it was time for Mattarella to officially declare the
30th Summer Universiade open.
Next came a choreography celebrating the sports being
disputed at the Games set to techno music.

Neapolitan rapper Anastasio, the winner of the last edition
of X-Factor Italia, gave his remarkable interpretation of Pink
Floyd's The Wall before the Universiade torch made its entrance.

It was used to ignite a football that Napoli and Italy
striker Lorenzo Insigne kicked to light the Games 'cauldron' and
the whole of the stadium's Vesuvius.

The Naples Universiade have broken new ground with an
environmental 'cauldron', which uses light and special effects
to 'burn' and uses no gas.
The ceremony reached its climax with a performance by
superstar Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli, whose set included
Neapolitan favourite Funiculi, Funicula, and an explosive
firework display.

The show was produced by Marco Balich, the creative force
behind many memorable Olympic closing and opening ceremonies of
the past.

His team are also in charge of the Universiade closing
ceremony, which will also be at the San Paolo on July 14.

The San Paolo, the home of Napoli soccer team, will also host
the track and field events and it has been renovated for the
World University Games, with new seats, lighting systems and the
installation big screens.(ANSAmed).